Italian Brass Decorative Centrotavola (Centerpiece Tray) in Renaissance Revival Style
Decorative Object / Hollowware (Centrotavola) · Unknown Italian manufacturer; the Mercatino labeling indicates a second-hand market provenance. The 'OT' on the label stands for 'Ottone' (Brass), confirming it is not a silver maker but a brassware producer.
Pattern: Generic Renaissance Revival Floral Scroll; featuring a central stylized rosette with radiating acanthus and floral motifs. Common in 20th-century Italian decorative arts.
Type
Decorative Object / Hollowware (Centrotavola)
Maker
Unknown Italian manufacturer; the Mercatino labeling indicates a second-hand market provenance. The 'OT' on the label stands for 'Ottone' (Brass), confirming it is not a silver maker but a brassware producer.
Material
Brass (Ottone). The item is a base metal alloy of copper and zinc with a golden-yellow finish. There is no silver content; the 'silver' appearance in recessed areas is likely a result of polishing wear or a nickel-colored base metal/plating effect meant to provide contrast.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 25-35 cm (10-14 inches). Standard centerpiece size. Weight is approximately 400-700 grams depending on gauge thickness.
Description
An Italian decorative brass tray designed as a 'centrotavola' or centerpiece. The piece is characterized by a dense, rhythmic arrangement of acanthus leaves and flowers radiating from a central floral medallion. It utilizes a striking two-tone finish where the raised brass highlights contrast against a darkened, silvery-grey background to provide depth and an antique appearance. This is a common decorative accessory found in Italian homes throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, designed to provide the look of high-end metalwork at an accessible price point.
Key Features
Scalloped rim, 'OTTONE' identification on label, two-tone finishing, and use of traditional Italian Renaissance motifs.
Material & Composition
Brass (Ottone). The item is a base metal alloy of copper and zinc with a golden-yellow finish. There is no silver content; the 'silver' appearance in recessed areas is likely a result of polishing wear or a nickel-colored base metal/plating effect meant to provide contrast.
Finish & Decoration
Etched and embossed. The surface features a high-relief floral and scroll design with a two-tone appearance: polished brass on the raised surfaces and a greyish-silver colored matte finish in the recesses to simulate aged patina. The style is Neo-Rococo/Renaissance Revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No visible hallmarks for precious metals. The primary identifier is a modern Mercatino retail sticker which explicitly says 'OTTONE' (Brass). There are likely no silver purity marks (925, 800) present.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or die-struck. The repetitive, sharp nature of the pattern suggest a industrial press rather than hand-chasing. The edges appear to be crimped or scalloped by a machine die.
Functional Features
Flat or slightly concave center for use as a table centerpiece (centrotavola) or decorative charger. No mechanical parts.
Handle & Grip Details
None; the piece is a rimmed tray/plate design with no independent handles or grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. The piece is likely mass-produced via mechanical stamping. While the visual impact is high, it lacks the fine detail and weight of hand-wrought silver or artisan-cast bronze.
Authentication Indicators
The retail label 'OTTONE' is the primary indicator that this is NOT silver. There are no lion passants, 800-grade marks, or Italian silversmith 'lozenge' marks visible. The metal's yellow hue under the light is characteristic of brass/bronze alloys.
Origin & Manufacturing
Italy. The label text 'CENTROTAVOLA TONDO OTTONE' is Italian. Italy has a long tradition of decorative brassware manufacturing, particularly in regions like Lombardy and Tuscany.
Era & Period
Modern Era (late 20th century). While the design mimics historical Italian Renaissance and Baroque styles, the manufacturing and labeling indicate it is a late 20th-century decorative household item.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-2000. The condition of the retail sticker and the type of industrial finishing are consistent with late 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Made in Italy' movement's focus on bringing classical historical aesthetics to the mass-produced domestic market during the late 20th century.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There are visible dents along the upper-left rim and visible surface scratches. The tarnish is uneven, and the 'silver' contrast finish in the recesses is showing some wear. Grade: Good (Used).
Value Estimate
€5.85 (as marked on the retail sticker). Secondary market value is generally between €5 and €15. It has decorative value but no precious metal scrap value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth. Avoid abrasive silver cleaners as this is brass; a dedicated brass polish like Brasso can be used on the raised areas, but be careful not to remove the dark contrast finish in the recesses.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated copper trays (EPCC) which would have more weight and a different tarnish (black vs. this grey/green), or authentic 800-silver Italian trays which would be much more expensive and feature hallmark lozenges.
Interesting Facts
The term 'Centrotavola' is a staple of Italian interior design, where the dining table is the heart of the home. Items like this were frequently sold in 'Mercatino' (second-hand) markets or specialized houseware shops throughout the 1980s.